Super Car, Super Surprise

An afterschool club in Bradford gave its ‘exceptional’ pupils a taste of the fast lane last week as children were commemorated for their exceptional hard work, progress and achievements in their studies.

Raising Explorers, a club in the city which helps children with their homework and religious studies, hired a red Ferrari for the day as children got a super surprise of their own.

The event was organised to congratulate the children on their hard work and progress in school as well as the success of a recent fundraising event.

SURPRISE: Children from Raising Explorers were given a special treat last week as a Ferrari pulled up in the club’s car park

All the children got the chance to experience what riding in the supercar was like as they each got behind the wheel for a not-to-be-forgotten experience.

Driven by a chauffeur, the Ferrari also acted as a ‘motivation tool’, according to childcare and progress manager at Raising Explorers, Istihaq Khan, who added that it was a ‘lovely opportunity’ to celebrate the achievements of the young Explorers.

He said: “It was great for the students to be rewarded for their efforts as the ride in the Ferrari without a doubt acted as a great motivator.

“A big thank you to everyone, including the children for all your efforts and to Evolution Motor Group for their cooperation, in inspiring the children with their jaw dropping Ferrari.”

Mr Khan also explained how the group caters for children from all backgrounds and continues to be a success in the city centre.

“Raising Explorers is based in an area of Bradford where our research showed that many parents struggle to balance work with childcare needs as there wasn’t any local adequate afterschool and weekend childcare available…The quality of any such childcare was either poor or simply non-existent and didn’t meet the requirements of the parents and the children.

“Therefore since Raising Explorers was launched in 2012 such values have been integral to the life of the After School Club and we have now become one of the city’s most popular out of school childcare provisions.

“In our most recent inspection by Ofsted, the inspector described us as ‘Outstanding’ and exceeding Ofsted requirements for an Out of School Club.”

EXPERIENCE: Each child was given the experience of sitting behind the wheel before a chauffeur took the motor for a spin

One father, Javez, whose child attends the centre, spoke of how much he appreciated the efforts put in by all at Raising Explorers.

“My wife is a full time carer for my eldest child and I’m a driving instructor,” he said.

“Previously it used to be a struggle to finish work, pick up my child from school and then make the time to help him with his homework.

“We always felt guilty that due to the demands of working life and circumstances we were unable to give the right attentive care and help to our child when he came home from school.

“Now that he goes to Raising Explorers, I am so relieved that he is getting the best support he can possibly get and our son loves going there.

“Raising Explorers offer so much value for money when it comes to childcare and that’s what I love about them.”

Raising Explorers are open seven days a week offering tuition in all subjects, religious education, homework support and general drop in sessions for children aged between five and 15.